I could always post my keys to victory this week for the Miami Dolphins-New York Jets game, but in my mind, there is only one for this matchup between the two division foes, Brandon Marshall.
The "Southbeach Beast", or "Weapon-X" as some like to call him holds the key to victory for Miami this week.
The last time we saw Marshall suit up was against the Minnesota Vikings last week. He was only targeted 8 times, and only came down with four receptions, and no touchdowns.
Those stats were accumulated against a terrible Vikings secondary. This week the Fins will face a much more forminable opponent in the Jets secondary, but that does not mean that they are unbeatable.
For the Dolphins to succeed, in their minds they need to run the ball. What better way to open up some running lanes than to emphasize the aerial attack right off the bat, like last week with a 40 yard bomb to Marshall.
Marshall already draws double teams when he lines up on the field. But eventually once the defense smells a run play, they start to stack the box against Miami, and that is when the trouble starts for the running backs.
Marshall will be facing off against his old division rival Antonio Cromartie, who he has had some favorable stats against in their recent past.
In my mind for "Weapon-X" to have a good game, and lead the Fins to victory he will need to post at least 8 receptions, for over 100 yards and a touchdown. This is the game where he needs to step up.
Not only is this the biggest game of the year for Miami, but it is also their home opener. The place will be wild tomorrow night. It has been declared an orange out, and the game will be televised nationally on NBC's Sunday Night Football.
Of course for Marshall to be able to succeed he will need to have the ball passed to him during the game. Marshall was only targeted 8 times last week. For a guy that cost us two 2nd round picks, and over $40 million, he should be thrown to at least 15 times! Your talking about a franchise player here! Get him the ball hands down, plain and simple. Marshall is the star-playmaker on the offensive side of the ball, it is not time for the Dolphins, and offensive coordinator Dan Henning to start acting like it.
This Jets game will be a true test for the Miami offense. It very well could be a coming out party for both Marshall and Henne, but it also could be a very disappointing night for the two if they do not look to hook up through the air with each other. Together these two can make each other very good football players, tomorrow night against the Jets, I'm looking for them to prove it.
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